PCB mulls New Zealand as venue for ‘home’ series

By Omar Khalid Karachi, April 11 (IANS) Pakistan is keeping its options open on the venues for its “home” series against the Kiwis this November and could well opt to play in New Zealand, sources said Saturday.

According to the International Cricket Council’s future tours programme, Pakistan is to host New Zealand for three Tests and five One-day Internationals this November but there is little or no possibility that the Black Caps will visit the country because of security apprehensions.

Sources in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) told IANS Saturday that the PCB management is seriously considering an idea floated by its New Zealand counterpart of “hosting” the series in New Zealand.

“It is an idea that is being given due consideration by the PCB officials,” said the source. “The PCB really wants to ensure that the series is played in the best possible way, which is why it has already begun doing its homework for the series,” the source added.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive Justin Vaughan has said it can think about finding suitable venues for the series in New Zealand if the PCB agrees to switch the series there.

Vaughn is scheduled to meet PCB chairman Ijaz Butt in Dubai next week on the sidelines of the ICC Executive Board meeting.

Pakistan has several options to chose from as far as the venues for the Tests and one-dayers against New Zealand are concerned and may even host the two series in different countries.

There is a possibility that Pakistan may host the one-dayers in UAE while the three Tests could be played in New Zealand.

Pakistan has become a no-go zone for international cricket teams since terrorists attacked the Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore, leaving six policemen and two civilians dead. Six Sri Lankan players and the team’s assistant coach were injured.